The 2013 Desert Spirit Gala at the Palm Springs Air Museum

The American Cancer Society presented the Annual DESERT SPIRIT, the Desert’s Premier Gala to fight Cancer on April 7th at the Palm Springs Air Museum. A cocktail and huge silent auction was held in one hanger of the Museum while the dinner buffet was held in the other. Vendors were also in the Silent auction area with art, cupcakes etc for sale. There was music by Chris Comption and Entertainment by local artists during the cocktail hour.

There was a celebration of life award that was given to cancer survivors, Chris Hermann and Paul Mahoney. Both spoke about their bout and recovery from cancer. Guest event Chair, baseball great Steve Garvey, spoke about his cancer and asked the men to get checked. The new theme is, Are You Man Enough to get Checked. Most men don’t talk about Cancer and their treatments. Garvey said its time to talk about it and do something to stop it. Each man thanked the American Cancer Society for saving their lives.

The Jackie Lee Houston Spirit Award was presented to Mrs. Ruth Moir. She is the founder of Riverside Steinway Society that reaches 20,000 children in the Valley thru many programs that bring music back to local schools. Moir is also a cancer survivor.

Karen Devine was the event Emcee with Jenni Pulos and Celebrity Auctioneer and Patrick Evans as Guest auctioneer. Co-chairs were Melissa Neiderman and Francene Fisher. New Sensations Band provided music for Dancing.

PauL Bruggeman, Host restauranteur, thanked all the local restaurants for their support for this cause. Restaurants involved for the Buffet were Cliffhouse Grill and Bar, El Marisol, Jiao, Kaiser Grille, Le Vallauris, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Spencer,s Restaurant. Sullivan,s Steakhouse, Trattoria Tiramisu, Wally’s Desert Turtle, Koffi and Over the Rainbow desserts.